A nurse is caring for a client who has HIV. Which of the following laboratory values is the nurse's priority?
- A. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL
- B. Platelet count of 350,000/mm3
- C. CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm3
- D. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm3
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm3. In HIV care, monitoring the CD4-T-cell count is crucial as it reflects the immune system's ability to fight infections. A low CD4 count indicates a weakened immune system, increasing the client's susceptibility to opportunistic infections. This value guides treatment decisions, such as initiating antiretroviral therapy. The other options, while important, do not directly reflect the client's immune status in the context of HIV. Hemoglobin and platelet counts are relevant for assessing anemia and clotting function, respectively. White blood cell count is a general indicator of infection or inflammation. Prioritizing CD4-T-cell count ensures appropriate management of HIV and prevention of complications.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system and needs to be transported to the x-ray department. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Clamp the chest tube during transport.
- B. Keep the drainage system below the level of the client's chest at all times.
- C. Remove the chest tube for transport.
- D. Allow the client to carry the drainage system.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Keep the drainage system below the level of the client's chest at all times. This is crucial because maintaining the drainage system below the chest level prevents backflow of air or fluid into the client's chest cavity, which can lead to complications like tension pneumothorax or fluid re-entering the pleural space. Clamping the chest tube can cause a build-up of pressure and should only be done in emergency situations. Removing the chest tube is unsafe and can lead to respiratory distress. Allowing the client to carry the drainage system can risk dislodging the tube or causing tension on the connections. Therefore, the best option is to keep the drainage system below the chest level to ensure proper drainage and prevent complications.
A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following findings shouldn't the nurse expect?
- A. Increased heart rate
- B. Increased blood pressure
- C. Increased respiratory rate
- D. Increased hematocrit
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased hematocrit. In fluid overload, there is an excess of fluid in the body, leading to dilution of blood components including hematocrit. Therefore, an increased hematocrit would not be expected. Increased heart rate (A), blood pressure (B), and respiratory rate (C) are all common findings in fluid overload due to the body's compensatory mechanisms to maintain adequate perfusion. Thus, these findings are expected.
A rehabilitation nurse is caring for a client who has had a spinal cord injury that resulted in paraplegia. After a week on the unit, the nurse notes that the client is withdrawn and increasingly resistant to rehabilitative efforts by the staff. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to discuss their feelings
- B. Establish a plan of care with the client that sets attainable goals
- C. Increase the frequency of physical therapy sessions
- D. Allow the client to set the schedule for rehabilitation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Establish a plan of care with the client that sets attainable goals. This is because involving the client in setting realistic goals can empower them and increase motivation for rehabilitation. By collaborating with the client, the nurse can address the client's needs and preferences, leading to a more personalized and effective rehabilitation plan. Encouraging the client to actively participate in their care promotes autonomy and fosters a sense of control over their situation.
Other choices are incorrect:
A: Encouraging the client to discuss their feelings is important, but it may not directly address the need for a structured plan of care with attainable goals.
C: Increasing the frequency of physical therapy sessions may be overwhelming for the client and not address the underlying issue of lack of motivation.
D: Allowing the client to set the schedule for rehabilitation may not provide the structure and guidance needed for effective rehabilitation.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has asthma and a new prescription for fluticasone/salmeterol. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to report to the provider?
- A. White coating in the mouth
- B. Increased heart rate
- C. Insomnia
- D. Shortness of breath
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: White coating in the mouth. This adverse effect can indicate oral thrush, a fungal infection common with inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone. The nurse should instruct the client to report this to the provider promptly for appropriate treatment. Increased heart rate (B) and insomnia (C) are common side effects of the medication but not usually serious enough to report immediately. Shortness of breath (D) is a symptom of poorly controlled asthma and should be addressed promptly but not considered an adverse effect of the medication in this context.
A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted with bleeding esophageal varices and has an esophagogastric balloon tamponade with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube to control the bleeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Provide frequent oral and nares care.
- B. Monitor the client's oxygen levels.
- C. Administer intravenous antibiotics.
- D. Remove the tube immediately after 24 hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide frequent oral and nares care. This is important because the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube can cause discomfort and irritation to the oral and nasal mucosa, leading to potential complications such as infection or pressure ulcers. Providing frequent oral and nares care helps prevent these complications and ensures the client's comfort.
Choice B is incorrect because monitoring oxygen levels is not directly related to the care of a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube.
Choice C is incorrect because administering intravenous antibiotics is not a routine intervention for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube unless there is a specific indication for infection.
Choice D is incorrect because the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube should not be removed immediately after 24 hours. The timing of removal should be determined based on the client's condition and the healthcare provider's orders.